Summary

The author critiques the glorification of extreme productivity exemplified by Elon Musk, advocating instead for the value of an ordinary, balanced life focused on well-being and human connections.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's recent experiences with burnout and the subsequent realization that societal pressure to be constantly productive is unrealistic and unhealthy. The author reflects on the portrayal of Elon Musk as a productivity icon, questioning the relevance of such an extraordinary example to the average person's life. It is argued that the pursuit of a "good life" should not necessitate working excessive hours or adopting impractical habits, as this can lead to negative health outcomes and damaged relationships. The author emphasizes the importance of respecting one's own life and finding joy in simple, everyday experiences, rather than succumbing to the pressures of "hustle culture." The piece concludes by affirming the intrinsic worth of an ordinary life filled with meaningful connections and personal contentment, independent of societal measures of success.

Opinions

The author expresses irritation with productivity advice that seems unrealistic and guilt-inducing.
There is skepticism about the practicality of emulating Elon Musk's work habits, given the potential health risks and the impracticality for most people.
The author believes that the glorification of working long hours (akin to the Japanese phenomenon of Karoshi) is misguided and dangerous.
The article suggests that the advice to adopt habits like daily showers as a secret to productivity can be seen as silly or even insulting.
There is a clear rejection of the notion that one's life is only as valuable as their productivity levels.
The author values quality time with family and friends, enjoying nature, and embracing minimalism over the pursuit of wealth and status.
The piece criticizes the "hustle culture" for eroding human warmth and connection, suggesting it is a form of madness.
The author advocates for the right to define success on one's own terms, rather than adhering to the models set by wealthy CEOs or celebrities.

What Is Wrong With Living an Ordinary Life?

Elon Musk isn’t the best model for a good life.

Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash

These past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with feelings of fatigue and burnout. I have struggled to be productive. I came across an article with productivity advice and, instead of helping, it made me feel angry. I mean, not like raging mad angry; I was just a little irritated. But it was enough for me to start asking questions that led me to see my struggles in a new light.

I see now how my feelings of guilt about failing to be productive stem, in part, from my buying into incessant BS slogans perpetuated by these productivity advocates. It is only when I put aside my guilt and focused on respecting my life as it is that I felt recharged.

Now you may be wondering what about this article made me angry.

Let me explain.

This article focused on Elon Musk, making him into a paragon of productivity. Now, I have nothing against the man. Who cannot be amazed by his extraordinary and insane achievements?

But, here is the problem:

What Elon Musk has accomplished in his life is so beyond my scope of life that I can’t even relate to him.

He can’t help people who are trying to live good, if ordinary, lives. Many people, including doctors and psychologists, don’t think it is a good idea to work 80 to 100 hours a week, as he says he does. If I try to do so, I’d wreck my health and my relationships. I’d drop dead like a victim of Karoshi. I am sure of it.

Do we even know what he sacrifices to maintain his super-productivity?

Apparently, one of his secrets for insane productivity is to take a shower every morning.

Now, give me a break.

If Elon Musk ever claimed this as one of his top productivity tips, he must have meant it as a joke. Otherwise, what the heck? I am open and curious, but this is a bit silly, even insulting.

Anyway, the implication is that we too can be as productive as him by adopting his habits.

These kinds of articles have a purpose. They really do. But, sadly, many of them trick us into feeling ashamed and guilty about resting or chilling out. A common mantra is “The more you do, the more you earn,” and they command us to hustle crazily, lest we stay forever stuck in the cesspool of mediocrity.

But what if I like my mediocre life just the way it is?

It is true I struggle with feelings of guilt for procrastinating and not getting things done. Yet I know this is partly because I’ve internalized the slogans that equate productivity to a good life.

Going forward I won’t let these articles tell me how my simple, ordinary life sucks. No, my life doesn’t suck. But, this hustle culture does, big time. It is a madness that is stealing human warmth and connection from our world.

I sit in my garden for hours at a time watching the clouds, the birds at our feeder, the bees collecting nectar, and the tree leaves waving in the breeze. Is this not a productive use of my time?

What if I find joy and solace in eating long, slow dinners with friends and family?

To me, life without enough quality time with family and friends is a tragedy. If a situation calls for me to choose, I’d gladly give up productivity for connection. I’m open to living life strategically, but do I have to follow the path of Elon Musk or other billionaires?

What if I follow the lead of an A-List celebrity who, say, chooses not to own a car or a fancy home but advocates for a simple minimalistic life and who works to improve the lives of indigenous peoples?

Sometimes all I want is to sit around a campfire with friends and listen to ghost stories under twinkling stars night after night. Sometimes I want to lose myself in music and art and to wander aimlessly in my imagination or in a distant land.

I don’t want to live in a world in which rich CEOs provide us with our only models of success.

And I don’t see anything wrong with living and loving my ordinary life as it is.